Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 vs. Ducati Multistrada 950 S 2019

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018 and the Ducati Multistrada 950 S 2019 are both adventure motorcycles designed for off-road and on-road riding.

In terms of engine and drivetrain, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is equipped with an inline twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc, producing 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque. It features an electric start and a chain transmission. On the other hand, the Ducati Multistrada 950 S has a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc, delivering 113 horsepower and 96.2 Nm of torque. It also has an electric start and a chain transmission.

Both motorcycles have similar front suspension setups, with telescopic upside-down forks. However, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports uses Showa forks with a diameter of 45mm and a travel of 252mm, while the Ducati Multistrada 950 S features Kayaba forks with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 170mm. The rear suspension on both bikes is a swingarm with a monoshock, but the Honda uses a Showa shock with a travel of 240mm, while the Ducati uses a Sachs shock with a travel of 170mm.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2018

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports weighs 243kg (with ABS) and has a wheelbase of 1580mm, while the Ducati Multistrada 950 S weighs 230kg (with ABS) and has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1594mm.

When it comes to braking, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is equipped with dual disc brakes at the front, branded by Nissin. The Ducati Multistrada 950 S also has dual disc brakes at the front, but they are branded by Brembo.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles feature ABS, traction control, and multiple riding modes. The Ducati Multistrada 950 S also has electronically adjustable suspension and a quick shifter, which the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports does not have.

In terms of dimensions, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports has a 21-inch front tire, a 150mm wide rear tire, and an 18-inch rear tire. It has a seat height of 900mm, which can be adjusted up to 920mm. The fuel tank capacity is 24.2 liters. On the other hand, the Ducati Multistrada 950 S has a 19-inch front tire, a 170mm wide rear tire, and a 17-inch rear tire. It has a lower seat height of 820mm, which can be adjusted down to 760mm. The fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

Ducati Multistrada 950 S 2019

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with LED headlights. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports has an optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), while the Ducati Multistrada 950 S comes with an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports offers a powerful and smooth engine, a comfortable chassis, a comfortable seating position, a great appearance, good brakes, a large fuel tank capacity, performance modes, and the option for DCT. On the other hand, the Ducati Multistrada 950 S offers electronically adjustable Skyhook suspension, an elegant appearance similar to its larger siblings, a refined engine, stable brakes, a comfortable seating position, a comprehensive electronic package, and a good adjustable windscreen.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports has less wind protection, no cruise control, a high seat that may be difficult for shorter riders to mount, and the inability to disable ABS on the front wheel. The Ducati Multistrada 950 S is more expensive, has an integrated seat that may not be preferred by all riders, and may not be suitable for off-road use as an enduro bike.